Therapy device and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure includes rehabilitation devices for physical therapy for injuries, and more particularly to a rehabilitation device for rehabilitating certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower extremities of the hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg, or other area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and benefit from, provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/817,159, entitled “Heel Guide and Support for Leg Injury Rehabilitation”, filed Apr. 29, 2013, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is in the technical field of physical therapy. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to rehabilitation devices for physical therapy for leg injuries, and/or certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower extremities such as the hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg, or other areas.

SUMMARY

In the field of physical therapy, rehabilitation includes exercise, which may be difficult for the patient to execute. The nature of leg injuries also keeps a patient confined to a bed, chair or couch, where execution of exercises can be challenging. Compliance to an exercise regime is a constant challenge in field of physical therapy.

The present disclosure generally describes a “slide” (therapy device), which is configured to guide and offer support for the heel during execution of certain exercises, as well as allow the appropriate amount of friction to allow the benefit of the exercise, without so much friction as to make the exercise too difficult.

The therapy device and involved exercises would be considered to be used after certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg) or a condition or injury where lower extremity mobility would be encouraged either in the recovery/rehabilitation process or in managing the condition. These conditions may include but not be limited to the following: pre and post-operative knee surgeries (such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, total knee arthroplasty, etc.), hip conditions where lower extremity mobility would be encouraged (such as post-operative total hip arthroplasty, etc.), conditions of the knee where range of motion deficits are involved (such as arthrofibrosis, etc.), and any condition or injury of the lower extremity where lower extremity mobility is encouraged in the recovery process. This invention is to be used as prescribed by the involved physician, and/or physical therapist, and/or athletic trainer.

The two major conditions could be aided by the device include post-operative anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and post-operative total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which is a total knee replacement. Major tissues we are targeting with the flexion (bending) exercise: post-operative scar tissue, quadriceps muscle and tendon, knee joint capsule, and joint swelling. Major tissues targeted with the extension (straightening) exercise may include post-operative scar tissue, hamstring muscle and tendon, gastrocnemius muscle and tendon, knee joint capsule, and joint swelling, among many others.

Other injuries/conditions that would benefit from this device and/or these exercises would be; any other lower extremity condition where knee and/or hip mobility would be beneficial. For example; femur fracture after car accident, other post-operative knee surgeries (menisectomy, meniscus repair, knee arthroscopy, tibial osteotomy), total hip arthroplasty, etc.

The therapy device would be placed on a bed, floor, or even as a “bridge” between supports like a chair or couch cushion and table or ottoman. The patient would sit or otherwise contact one side of the therapy device, and the heel of the leg to be exercised on the therapy device. The patient would then slide the foot away from, then back toward the buttocks, thereby accomplishing a therapeutic exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device according to an example.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an example therapy device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example therapy device, showing the patient and the potential use.

FIG. 4 is a side view a therapy device, showing its position as a “bridge”, according to an example.

FIG. 5 is a representation of a folding version of a therapy device, according to an example.

FIG. 6 is a representation of a 2 piece version of the therapy device, with an interlocking feature, according to an example.

FIG. 7 is a representation of the therapy device with a handle for carrying, according to an example.

FIG. 8 is a representation of the therapy device with a handle, according to an example.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a segment, according to an example.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a therapeutic device, according to an example.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a therapy device in an operational configuration, according to an example.

FIG. 12 is a therapy device is a portable configuration, according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of a therapy device 100, as well as a front view of the therapy device 100.

In more detail, still referring to FIG. 1, the therapy device 100 may include support portions 110, as well as a patient contacting portion 104, and a guide/surface portion 102. Device 100 may have sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the foot and leg of a patient up to 400 pounds, while bridging a gap of generally 70% of the length of the therapy device between supporting structures.

Therapy device 100 may be designed to have a length sufficient to accommodate the length of a leg fully extended of a patient, which may be about 36 inches, but may vary according to different designs. Also, the width of device 100 may be designed to be sufficient to accommodate the heel of a patient, aid in rigidity for the bridging function, and ease of handling. In an embodiment the width may be generally about 8″. Both length and width could be determined from anthropomorphic data around leg length and heel size, as well as some summative testing around the users, and may be varies for different patient types, etc. This could be accomplished with a single size, or with different sizes crafted for different patient populations, without straying from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

The construction of device 100 may be made of plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid or semi-rigid and strong material such as wood, metal, foam, and/or combinations thereof, and the like. These could be constructed with typical fabrication techniques, such as machining, casting, thermoforming, 3D printing, extruded, and/or injection molding and/or combinations thereof, but this disclosure is no limited in these respects.

There is a patient contacting portion 104, may be configured to contact the patient generally in the upper back portion of the leg, such as the upper thigh or buttocks. There is a support portion(s) 110, which can contact two surfaces, and act as a “bridge” between two supports (not shown). Alternatively, contacting portion 104 may not contact a patient any or all of the time used for rehabilitation. Contacting portion may be a somewhat short distance away from the patient as shown in FIG. 4.

Device 100 also includes a guide portion/patient moving contacting portion/heel contacting portion 102. Portion 102 may be designed to be of sufficient size, concavity, and depth to accommodate the heel, and to reduce the likelihood of the heel from slipping off the side of the therapy device 100. Portion 102 may include a radius, as shown, or some other set of appropriate features, such as a raised railing on each side, or a single, heel sided radius in the device 100. However, other configurations may be used and this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

Portion 102 will be such that it will provide a “correct” amount of friction, which would likely be between a value of static and dynamic friction between 0.01 and 0.75; not so much as to make the exercise difficult, but not so little that the therapeutic benefit is reduced. This may vary for different patients, and for the different stages of rehabilitation/maintenance/exercise.

The friction coefficient could either be adjusted through the selection of materials, the finish on the selected materials, or an addition of a second layer of material on top of a base material. This friction coefficient would be determined through patient testing and other methods. Also, the device can be offered with a number of different friction coefficients, which could yield further therapeutic benefit for different patient needs, as well as different stages of rehabilitation.

An insert, pad or other device (not shown) may be placed between the patient and the device to vary the friction. This could be a sock, plastic, and/or other construction of pad. The pad may have a first side which may be configured to slidably couple or contact the therapeutic device. More than one pad may be included with the therapeutic device with differing dimensions and/or differing first sides to vary the friction coefficient and amount of force needed to move the patient's heel and/or lower leg along the therapeutic device. Different patients may need differing amounts of friction or force, and these pads may provide versatility. Also, as the patient progresses, there may be a need for differing friction and force as the rehabilitation progresses.

The friction coefficient could either be adjusted through the selection of materials, the finish on the selected materials, an addition of a second layer of material on top of a base material, an insert that is configured to generally lay on top of the guide portion 102. Furthermore, the friction could be adjusted with one or more inserts or other material placed between the foot of the patient and the device 100. This could include different socks or pieces of material or any other insert placed between the patient and the device. Any other method or system for varying friction may be used.

This correct friction coefficient would be determined through patient testing and other methods. Also, the device can be offered with a number of different friction coefficients, which could yield further therapeutic benefit for different patient needs, as well as different stages of rehabilitation.

FIG. 5 depicts one example of a folding version of the device 500. Therapy device 500 could include a hinge 520, or interlocking feature that would allow the therapy device to either be folded, or split into two 530, 540 or more pieces, aiding in portability.

FIG. 6 depicts one possible example of a two piece 620, 630 version of the device 600 with an interlock configuration 610. FIG. 7 depicts on possible example of the device 700 with a handle 710. Other features such as a handle or grip could be incorporated, to aid in transport.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the support portion 110 of device 100 is shown generally being used on a flat surface, 340, such as a floor or bed. The patient 310 is shown seated. The starting position for the foot and leg 320 is shown, as well as the finishing position for a typical exercise, 330. The patient 310 would typically move or slide the foot from position 320 to 330, on surface 102 to provide a therapeutic stretch, range of motion, and muscle benefit to the patient 310. The therapy device 100 would yield the appropriate fiction for the exercise, as well as a guide for the correct execution of the exercise. This exercise is performed primarily to improve the knee flexion angle of the involved limb.

The duration of holding the foot at position, 330, where the therapeutic stretch is experienced, as well as the frequency, intensity, would all be determined by the involved physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer. The leg may be assisted by the use of a towel, strap or rope that will assist in guiding the heel/foot and leg along the device, 100. The device, 100, would yield the appropriate friction for the exercise, as well as a guide for the correct execution of the exercise. The patient, 310, would then return their foot to starting position, 320, and repeat the exercise as directed by the involved physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer prescribed.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the base portion of the invention, 110, is shown in a “bridge” configuration. The right edge is shown on a support, such as a couch or chair, 410. The patient, 310, is shown as seated on the same support, 410. The left edge of the base feature, 110, is shown on a second support, such as an ottoman or coffee table or other support 430. In this use case, the patient can perform the same typical exercise shown above while seated on a chair or couch, without moving to the floor, or to a bed, to support the therapy device.

The advantages of this device may include, without limitation, portable and exceedingly easy to transport. It is will guide the execution of lower extremity rehabilitation exercises in an advantageous way. It will provide a “correct” amount of friction, not so much as to make the exercise difficult, but not so little that the therapeutic benefit is reduced, and could include features that allow variations in friction coefficient for targeted therapeutic benefit as well as different stages of rehabilitation, and/or different degrees of injury. It will give the patient the ability to execute the exercises while seated in bed, seated on a floor with typical coverings, such as carpet, tile, or wood, or on a couch with access to an ottoman, coffee table, or other secondary support.

A method of treatment may include positioning a portion of a patient on the device 100. Next the portion of the patient may be caused to be moved in one direction along guide portion 102, where guide portion 102 may have a coefficient of friction to provide resistance enough to provide therapeutic benefit to the patent, but not so much as to inhibit rehabilitation. Next the portion of the patient may be caused to be moved in an opposite direction along guide portion 102. The method of treatment may also include the treatment disclosed throughout this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of an example therapeutic device 800. Device 800 may include a guide portion 802, patient contacting portion 804 and one or more handle portions 810. Device 800 may be rigid or semi-rigid, such that is could bridge between two supports and provide support during use. Device 800 could also be relatively flexible and be used on a rigid surface such as a floor, bed, etc.

Device 800 may be folded or rolled up. Device 800 may be portable such that a user may take it with them wherever they go. This may be an advantage in that it may be relatively easily transported and the user may not have to go to a clinic or other location to use a machine. This may make it more likely a user will accomplish the exercises needed for a more rapid recovery from the injury. This embodiment may be flexible and be able to be rolled or folded up for relatively easy transportation.

FIG. 9 is a segment 905 according to an embodiment. Segment 905 may include a guide receiving portion 910, and one or more stabilizer receiving portions 920. Guide receiving portion 910 may be located generally adjacent, near or between stabilizer receiving portions 920. guide receiving portion 910 is generally flat and is configured to receive and couple to a guide portion or a portion of a therapeutic device such as therapeutic device 800.

In this embodiment, stabilizer receiving portions 920 are generally circular or can be semi-circular or other configuration so as to receive stabilizers (not shown). Stabilizers may be configured to couple to stabilizer receiving portions 920 to increase stability of the device when one or more segments 905 are coupled together.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a therapeutic device 900, according to an embodiment. Therapeutic device 900 may include a plurality of segments 905, a guide portion 930, and one or more stabilizers 940. In this embodiment guide portion 930 is configured to couple to guide receiving portion 910 of segment 905. The plurality of segments 905 may be configured to couple to guide portion 930 adjacent each other, generally most or all of the length of guide portion 930. Guide portion 930 may be similar to, or the same as, therapeutic device 800.

Guide portion 930 may be made of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), or other material. Guide portion may be made with a coefficient of friction of generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.75. Furthermore, the friction may be varied or configured where the surface friction is sufficient to enhance rehabilitation of an injury.

Guide portion 930 may couple to segments 905 via an interference or other type fit. Furthermore, guide portion 930 may couple to segments 905 via an adhesive, glue, heat weld, or other bonding method, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, segments 905 may be configured as a unitary device, or any other configuration or method of coupling.

Stabilizers 940 may be generally cylindrical and rigid, and may be configured generally similar to tent poles in that they may have segments coupled by a flexible cord. However, other configurations for stabilizers may be used such that the generally stabilize the device for operational use. With this configuration, the stabilizers 940 may be taken apart and stored in a shorter length area than when extended.

In this embodiment, stabilizer receiving portions 920 are generally circular, and may extend at least a portion of the complete circle to couple to stabilizers 940. Furthermore, stabilizer receiving portions 920 may be made of a rigid configuration, and may couple together to increase the stability of the device 900, such that other stabilizers may not be needed. It will be appreciated that other configurations for stabilizer receiving portions 920 and stabilizers 940 may be used without straying from the scope of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the designs or configurations for the stabilizer receiving portions 920 and/or the stabilizers 940.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device in an operational configuration, according to an embodiment. As shown device 900 may include one or more segments 905, a guide portion 930, one or more stabilizers 940, and a handle portion 960. In this embodiment, segments 905 are generally adjacent each other so as to line up the guide receiving portion 910 of each segment. segments 905 may be coupled to each other via guide portion 930. Alternatively, segments 905 may be coupled via a similar plastic such that they can fold with respect to each other to reduce the length of device 900 from the operational configuration.

Device 900 and/or guide portion 930 may include a handle portion 960. Handle portion may be configured to allow gripping by a user for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device.

After removing stabilizers 940, device 900 may be folded up toward handle portion 960. This may reduce the length of device 900 for relatively easier transportation in a portable configuration. Stabilizers may be disassembled and both may be stored in a bag or other container to reduce the size and increase the ease of transportation.

FIG. 12 shows a therapeutic device 900 in a portable configuration, according to an embodiment. As shown segments 905 may be folded with respect to each other to reduce the length from the operation configuration of FIG. 11, to the portable configuration of FIG. 12.

Device 900 may include a generally flexible guide portion 930 couples to the segments, such that the device 900 is capable of being folded or rolled up to reduce the length of the device 900, for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device 900.

The construction of device 900, or any portion of device 900 may be made of plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid or semi-rigid and strong material such as wood, metal, foam, and/or combinations thereof, and the like. These could be constructed with typical fabrication techniques, such as machining, casting, thermoforming, 3D printing, extruded, and/or injection molding and/or combinations thereof, but this disclosure is no limited in these respects.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the embodiments. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A therapeutic device, comprising: a body contacting portion configured to be generally adjacent the upper leg portion of a patient; a guide portion, generally concave shaped, configured to reduce the likelihood a portion of a patient remains within the device; and a support contacting portion configured to contact a support, wherein said guide portion comprises a surface with a coefficient of static and kinetic friction generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.75, wherein the surface friction is sufficient to enhance rehabilitation of an injury.
 2. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the injury comprises an injury to a lower extremity comprising the hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, and/or lower leg, and/or combinations thereof.
 3. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the injury comprises pathological conditions of the lower extremity or a condition or injury where lower extremity mobility would be generally increased by using the therapeutic device.
 4. The therapeutic device of claim 1, further comprising a handle portion configured to allow gripping by a user for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device.
 5. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a length sufficient to accommodate a range of patient leg lengths, and a width to accommodate majority of a patient population.
 6. The therapeutic device of claim 1, further comprising an insert with a first side configured to contact the patient contacting portion and slidably couple to the patient contacting portion.
 7. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein the insert further comprises a second side configured to receive the lower leg or heel portion of a patient.
 8. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a generally rigid and strong material capable of supporting and sustaining exercise.
 9. The therapeutic device of claim 8, wherein the material comprises plastic, wood, metal, and/or foam, and/or combinations thereof.
 10. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the guide portion comprises materials and finish that would allow an acceptable amount of friction between a portion of a patient and the device to provide a therapeutic effect during use of the device.
 11. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises materials and finish to allow differing friction levels of the guide portion to allow a continuum of exercise stresses.
 12. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed with rigidity to support the weight of a leg and foot of a patient while acting as a bridge between two supports.
 13. A method of treatment of a patient, comprising positioning a heel portion of a patient on a therapeutic device; causing the portion of the patient to move in one direction along a guide portion of the device; wherein the guide portion is configured to generally receive and guide a heel portion of a patient; and causing the portion of the patient to move in an opposite direction along guide portion, wherein said guide portion comprises a surface with a coefficient of friction generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.75, wherein the surface friction is sufficient to enhance rehabilitation of an injury.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the device is generally portable.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the coefficient of friction may be varied.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning an insert between the heel portion of the patient and the therapeutic device to change the friction between the heel portion of the patient and the therapeutic device.
 17. A therapeutic device, comprising: a generally flexible guide portion, generally concave shaped, configured to receive and guide a heel portion of a user along the guide portion; and a plurality of segments configured with one or more stabilizer receiving portions configured to receive one or more corresponding stabilizers, and a guide receiving portion configured to couple to the guide portion, wherein the guide portion is configured to fold generally between the segments to change the length of the guide portion from an operational configuration to a portable configuration; and one or more stabilizers configured to couple to the plurality of segments at least in part via the one or more stabilizer receiving portions, configured to increase the rigidity of the therapeutic device when in the operational configuration.
 18. The therapeutic device of claim 17, wherein said guide portion comprises a surface with a coefficient of friction generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.75.
 19. The therapeutic device of claim 17, wherein the surface friction is sufficient to enhance rehabilitation of an injury.
 20. The therapeutic device of claim 17, wherein the guide portion further comprises a handle portion configured to allow gripping by a user for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device. 